Most mow their own lawns.
Its one of those first impression things. One of my gauges is of neighbors and others is to see who mows their own lawn. I'm even an expert at being lazy, but I do mow my own lawn. Unless my wife tries.
There are little things that tell you about other people. I live on a corner lot. 2 houses down the side road is a 2 family. The landlord always gets good tenants, most that stick around for over a year or two. One was even the prettiest girl I've ever seen, bar none. So one day I was out mowing and crying because the girl had moved. The landlord walked up the road to ask permission to put out a "for rent" sign. He always does that, and I appreciate it, and I always allow it on my corner. I also take down any signs when I'm not asked...
But while we were both lamenting the loss of his tenant, I asked him how he managed to get such good ones. He was kind of sheepish, but revealed his interview process. He just took them to lunch when he thought they'd be OK. He says people will lie and be on their good behavior when they realize its an interview. They let their guard down when they're just out for a bite to eat.
And I like the landlord. So much that when it snows, I run the snowblower down the road to the far end of his sidewalk. The next guy could die and it wouldn't bother me a bit. Good neighbors are to be valued, bad ones are everywhere.
We moved recently and I was out in my new garage (built on the same lot). I was reviewing my inheritances, both from my father and hers. I have the big steel cube my old man used to crack walnuts. And I have the 3# sledge from my father-in-law. Also a big old quart can of anti-seize, probably WWII vintage. The guns went on to my sons, I have no use for them. I hate owing anyone. Wish I fit Rick's mold.
